Endless bargains at Dubai souks

Famous the world over, the distinctive souks of Dubai are a veritable haven for shoppers who are on the hunt for the best deals. Located in the Old Dubai section of this bustling metropolis, the souks offer bargains and a nostalgic trip down memory lane as you wander around and trade with the vendors.

“Souk” or “souq” is an Arabic word that means market or a cluster of shops where all types of goods are bought or exchanged. Back in the old days, dhows or boats coming from the neighboring countries unload their cargoes at the souks located near the Dubai Creek where fishing in Dubai is a booming industry. A wide variety of goods are sold in dozens of shops and haggled over by customers.

It is best to visit the souks when the temperature is a little cooler like late in the afternoon. However, early birds can drop by as early as 7 AM. Always remember that prices are negotiable in the souks. Haggling is a must, so don’t hesitate to bring down the price of your favorite goods to get the best value for your money. Here are some popular souks in Dubai:

GOLD SOUK
Dubai is also called the City of Gold, and a trip to the Gold Souk tells you why. Over 300 shops selling glittering gold from 18 to 24 carats and precious gems of all sizes blind you as you step into this amazing marketplace. You can choose from an endless variety of earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants with prices that are the lowest in the world. Even if you are not buying, this place is worth a visit so you can marvel at the world’s largest gold ring on display in one of the shops. Located in Deira, approximately 10 tons of gold is present at any given time in the Gold Souk.

SPICE SOUK
Near the Gold Souk, the colorful display of spices and their exotic aroma wafting in the air is too tempting to ignore. Spices from the Middle East and other parts of the world are in great abundance at the Spice Souk. Cinnamon, cardamom, chili, curry, cloves, saffron, turmeric; name it and the Spice Souk has it.

PERFUME SOUK
East of the Gold Souk is a collection of perfume shops. The Perfume Souk sells different scents and fragrances that will openly assault your sense of smell. From traditional Arabic scents to the latest international perfumes, those in the malls pale in comparison to the wide selection that is available in this souk. Incense can also be bought here, and are sold in sticks, powder, crystal, rock and wood.

TEXTILE SOUK
Nestled across the Dubai Creek on the Bur Dubai side is the Old Souk or the Textile Souk. This bazaar is a treasure trove of textiles in all colors, textures and designs from all over the world. Whether you are looking for cotton, satin, silk or velvet cloths, the Textile Souk has a wide range of fabrics available. A seemingly unlimited supply of garments, slippers, souvenirs and other goods are also on display for you to choose from. Sales and bargains are frequently available, especially during major holidays and the exciting Dubai Shopping Festival.

FISH MARKET
The Dubai Fish Market has a vast array of fishes and other marine produce fresh from the seas. Vendors clean, gut, and sell their marine harvests right before your eyes. Fishing in Dubai has been a flourishing industry that dates as far back as the early settlers. To help educate today’s tourists and market-goers, the market has a seafood restaurant and a museum to highlight the great fishing heritage of the region.

Do not miss the chance to visit these souks if you’re ever in Dubai. With their energetic old market atmosphere, eclectic collection of merchandise, and old-style way of doing business, these souks are truly one-of-a-kind and simply beyond compare.